Arizona sheriffs ask Brewer to halt Ariz. medical-pot program

Following in the footsteps of their top prosecutors, most of Arizona’s county sheriffs are asking Gov. Jan Brewer to halt the state’s medical-marijuana program.

Thirteen of the state’s 15 sheriffs sent a letter to Brewer this week that’s identical to the letter she received from 13 Arizona county attorneys days earlier.

Like the lawyers, the sheriffs argue that federal drug laws pre-empt Arizona’s voter-approved medical-marijuana law and that state, county and local employees could risk prosecution if they implement it. Those signing the letter from Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher, who is president of the Arizona Sheriffs Association, include Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.

The letters come as the state Department of Health Services prepares for Tuesday’s lottery to select 99 out of 486 applicants to run marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. The department will stream the lottery live online at www.livestream.com/azdhs.

The letter also claims Arizona’s newly appointed U.S. attorney John Leonardo “fully intends to prevent any dispensaries from operating in Arizona by seizing each and every one as it opens and commits violations of the (Controlled Substances Act).”

Support Our Efforts

The Tea Party Tribune is funded solely by donations from our readers. Your financial contribution will help assure the Tea Party Tribune remains a gathering place for conservative individuals to read news and current events, discuss various topics/issues and exchange ideas. Our goal is to give the Tea Party a national media voice. We need your help to do this. Thank you for your support!